What is Marine Spatial Planning?

A public process for organizing the use of our oceans. Think of it as urban planning for the sea

  • Analyzing the current and future uses of marine space.
  • Allocating areas for specific activities (e.g., fishing, conservation, energy).
  • Balancing ecological, economic, and social objectives.

What is the primary goal of MSP?

  • To increase offshore oil and gas drilling without restrictions
  • To balance ecological, economic, and social objectives in marine areas
  • To restrict all fishing activities in Tanzanian waters

Tanzania’s Preparedness for MSP

We are building on a strong foundation of existing work. Key documents and processes are already in place to guide our efforts.

MSP SCOPING

MSP GUIDELINE

ECOLOGICAL AND HUMAN USE

STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Marine Sectors

Key sectors operating in Tanzania’s marine space.

Main Marine Sectors

Key sectors operating in Tanzania’s marine space.

  • Fisheries & Aquaculture
  • Marine & Coastal Tourism
  • Maritime Transport & Ports
  • Energy (Oil & Gas)
  • Conservation (Habitats, MPAs)
  • Submarine Cables

Fisheries & Mariculture

Current and potential zones for fishing grounds.

Potential zones for Mariculture.

Why are Fisheries & Mariculture

The Economic & Social Backbone of Coastal Tanzania

  • Livelihoods: employ thousands and supporting the livelihoods of millions.
  • Food Security: source of food and protein
  • Economic Engine: contributor to the national GDP
  • Women’s Empowerment: Seaweed farming, a vital economic activity for women

MSP in Fisheries sector

Balancing Conflicts & Seizing Opportunities

  • Managing User Conflicts: helps resolve spatial competition between fisheries and other sectors
  • Sustaining Resources: ensures the long-term viability of fish stocks.
  • Promoting Sustainable Growth: identify suitable, low-conflict zones for aquaculture.
  • Balancing Needs: accommodate the different needs of small-scale artisanal fishers and larger commercial operations.

Marine & Coastal Tourism

Iconic destinations like Zanzibar and Mafia Island are global attractions.

Activities range from diving and snorkeling to cultural heritage tours.

Tourism: A Pillar of the Blue Economy

Driving Growth and Showcasing Natural Heritage

  • Economic Powerhouse: A primary source of foreign exchange and GDP.
  • Job Creation: Supports formal and informal employment
  • Global Showcase: Highlights Tanzania’s world-class natural assets
  • Investment Magnet: Attracts significant local and international investment in coastal infrastructure.

Tourism in the MSP

Ensuring Sustainability and Minimizing Conflict

  • Protecting the Attraction: essential to protect the very assets tourism depends.
  • Reducing Sectoral Conflicts: Helps manage competition for space between tourism activities
  • Guiding Development: Provides a framework for siting tourism infrastructure
  • Enhancing Visitor Experience: By zoning activities, MSP can ensure high-quality, safe, and sustainable tourism experiences.

Maritime Transport & Ports

Major ports like Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara are vital economic lifelines.

Key shipping routes connect Tanzania to regional and global markets.

A Gateway to Global Trade

Connecting Tanzania to the World

  • Economic Lifeline: over 90% of Tanzania’s international trade.
  • Strategic Hub: gateways for landlocked neighboring countries
  • Infrastructure Development: Drives major investment in port modernization, logistics, and related infrastructure.
  • Employment: source of direct and indirect jobs

Transport in the MSP

Navigating Crowded Waters Safely and Efficiently

  • Deconflicting Sea-lanes: helps establish clear shipping lanes to minimize collisions and reduce conflict
  • Sustainable Port Expansion: Guides the strategic development of ports to avoid damaging sensitive habitats
  • Managing Pollution Risk: Helps identify high-risk areas
  • Improving Efficiency: Creates predictability for the shipping industry, encouraging investment and improving logistical efficiency.

Energy (Oil & Gas)

Major offshore natural gas discoveries, with proven reserves exceeding 47 trillion cubic feet (TCF)

Energy: Powering National Development

Harnessing Offshore Resources for Growth

  • Significant Economic Potential: Offshore gas reserves a massive potential revenue stream
  • Energy Security: can reduce reliance on imported fuels and provide power for national industrialization.
  • Foreign Direct Investment: attracts billions of dollars
  • Catalyst for Growth: Can spur development in related sectors

Energy in the MSP Context

Balancing Development with Environmental Stewardship

  • High Potential for Conflict: Exploration conflict with fishing grounds, shipping lanes, and sensitive ecosystems.
  • Managing Environmental Risk: identifying and mitigating risks– drilling, potential spills.
  • Providing Investment Certainty: streamlining approvals and reducing investment risk.
  • Strategic Siting: helps identify areas for exploration that minimize conflict

Conservation (Habitats, MPAs)

Mangrove forests provide vital ecosystem services and coastal protection.

Protecting critical habitats like coral reefs is fundamental.

The key for Blue Economy

Protecting Tanzania’s Natural Capital

  • Biodiversity Hotspot: host significant biodiversity–coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
  • Ecosystem Services: These habitats provide essential services.
  • Supporting Other Sectors: the bedrock for sustainable fisheries and tourism.
  • Cultural Heritage: Marine areas hold deep cultural and spiritual value for coastal communities.

Conservation in the MSP Context

A Strategic Approach to Protection

  • Identifying Priorities: identify and map critical habitats and areas of ecological significance.
  • Strengthening Protection: It provides a framework for effective management of ecologically connected network MPAs.
  • Building Climate Resilience: Protecting key habitats enhances the resilience of the coast to climate change impacts.

Submarine Cables

Backbone of global communication.

connect Tanzania to the global internet

Data

Our State of Spatial Data

  • What Data Do We Have? (e.g., Vessel tracking, habitat maps, administrative boundaries).
  • Data Gaps & Limitations: What are the key uncertainties? Where do we need more information from you?
  • Our Integration Process: How we are bringing this diverse information together for analysis.

Our State of Spatial Data

Assessment based on expert opinion and preliminary analysis.

SCAN to Reach US!

Stephen Holness

Masumbuko Semba